set off fireworks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set off fireworks" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of launching and lighting a display of fireworks. For example, "The town held a special event to celebrate the holiday and set off fireworks in the evening sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others set off fireworks.

Independent

Trip-wires set off fireworks.

The Guardian - Travel

No one has set off fireworks.

The New York Times - Food

That night, the villagers set off fireworks.

The Guardian

"I'm not allowed to set off fireworks".

The New York Times

Just as she spoke, someone set off fireworks nearby.

The New York Times

Maybe, she thought, someone had set off fireworks.

The Washington Post

At first they set off fireworks in celebration.

The Guardian

These mergers set off fireworks in the galaxy and fuel the supermassive black hole.

Columbia University

They will hang signs and flags, bang drums and set off fireworks.

The New York Times - Sports

They had paraded and feasted, delivered speeches and set off fireworks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events, use "set off fireworks" to denote the commencement of a celebratory or protest action. For example, "The villagers "set off fireworks" to celebrate their victory".

Common error

Avoid substituting "set off fireworks" with phrases like "put off fireworks" or "turn on fireworks", as these do not accurately convey the action of initiating a fireworks display. "Set off" specifically means to trigger or initiate something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set off fireworks" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of initiating or triggering a fireworks display. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set off fireworks" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of igniting fireworks. According to Ludwig, this phrase sees frequent use across diverse contexts, notably in news and media, as well as in wiki and academic content. It's important to avoid similar-sounding but incorrect phrases like "put off fireworks". Related phrases include "launch fireworks" and "ignite fireworks". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile for describing both celebratory events and protest actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

launch fireworks

Focuses on the action of initiating the fireworks display.

ignite fireworks

Highlights the act of lighting the fireworks.

detonate fireworks

Emphasizes the explosive aspect of the fireworks.

light up fireworks

Focuses on the visual effect created by the fireworks.

put on a fireworks display

Refers to the overall presentation of fireworks.

trigger fireworks

Emphasizes the activation or starting of the display.

set in motion a fireworks show

Highlights the initiation of a planned fireworks event.

start a fireworks exhibition

Similar to a display but suggests a more formal presentation.

unleash a fireworks spectacle

Implies a grand and impressive fireworks show.

explode fireworks

Highlights the bursting and colorful aspect of fireworks.

FAQs

How can I use "set off fireworks" in a sentence?

You can use "set off fireworks" to describe the act of igniting fireworks, such as "The town "set off fireworks" to celebrate Independence Day" or "Protesters "set off fireworks" during the demonstration".

What's a more formal way to say "set off fireworks"?

While "set off fireworks" is suitable for most contexts, you could use phrases like "initiate a fireworks display" or "commence a pyrotechnic exhibition" in more formal settings.

Which is correct, "set off fireworks" or "set off a firework"?

"Set off fireworks" is generally used to refer to multiple fireworks or a fireworks display. "Set off a firework" is grammatically correct but refers to a single firework being ignited.

What can I say instead of "set off fireworks"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "launch fireworks", "ignite fireworks", or "detonate fireworks".